On September 23, Saudi Arabia celebrates its 94th National Day (Al-Yaom Al-Watani). It was on this day in 1932 that the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was born, when King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the kingdoms of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies into one nation.
Before 1932, the Arabian Peninsula was divided into fragmented tribal regions. The journey to unification started in 1902, when a young Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud) recaptured Riyadh, his family’s ancestral home.
Over the next three decades, through diplomacy and military campaigns, Ibn Saud brought together the disparate regions:
1902: Recapture of Riyadh- *
1925: Conquest of the Kingdom of Hejaz (which includes Mecca and Medina)-
1927: The Kingdom of Nejd was recognized by Britain under the Treaty of Jeddah-
September 23, 1932: By Royal Decree No. 2716, Ibn Saud proclaimed the unification of Hejaz and Nejd, naming it the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He declared himself the first King.
September 23 was chosen as the official National Day and was declared a public holiday by King Abdullah in 2005.
Grand Celebrations: Massive parades, traditional Ardah sword dances, and cultural festivals across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Fireworks and Air Shows: Spectacular fireworks and Saudi Air Force displays over major cities.
Green Everywhere: The national flag, which bears the Shahada, is displayed on buildings, cars, and streets. People wear green — the national color.
Vision 2030 Theme: Every year, a new slogan is announced. This year’s theme focuses on pride in heritage and ambition for the future under Saudi Vision 2030.
Public Holiday: Schools, government offices, and most businesses remain closed.
The founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932 marked the birth of the largest country in the Middle East and the birthplace of Islam, home to Mecca and Medina. From a desert kingdom, it has grown into a global economic powerhouse and a key player in world affairs.
Saudi National Day is more than a historical date; it is a celebration of unity, identity, and progress. As the Kingdom marks its 94th anniversary this September 23, it celebrates its past while looking toward a transformative future.